+51 918 885 164 info@happygringotours.com
+51 918 885 164 info@happygringotours.com

Two Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Short Inca Trail Peru

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From$525
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From$525
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Short Inca Trail Peru Tour Details
Two Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the popular alternative to the esteemed 4 Days Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The Two Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an extended version of our 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

The four days Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most preferred hike for most to visit Machu Picchu. However, the hike involves a lot of challenges and most of it is obtaining the Inca Trail permit. 

In order to protect the authenticity of the trail, local authorities restrict access to just 500 trekkers a day. This includes porters, chefs, and guides. Often the permit tends to sell out six months in advance

Short Inca Trail Peru is relatively an easier option. In fact, it is the most chosen trial among families. 

Unlike the Inca Trail where you will be hiking to high mountain passes and camping in the wilderness, the Short Inca Trail is relatively easier. The 2 Day Inca Trail Peru does not involve camping, instead, you will spend the night in a comfortable ensuite hotel room in Aguas Calientes town. 

You will be visiting some of the prominent Inca sites that lie along the trail to Machu Picchu. 

Two Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Short Inca Trail Peru begins at Km 104. It takes you through the famous Inca ruins that lie along the way. You will be entering Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate or Inti Punku. This is how those on Inca Trail Trek enter the citadel. 

Accompanied by our local tour guide, you will get a complete insight into the Inca civilization. 

In compliance with the government measures to control the COVID 19 pandemic, travelers must use face masks in public places and during transportation (public or private). All our vehicles are cleaned and sanitized after each trip.

Why Happy Gringo Tours?

Happy Gringo Tours is a local tour operating company founded by a local guide who has hiked the Inca Trail over 500 times. All our guides are locals and passionate hikers. We have years of experience in tourism. Our guides have extensive training in providing aid to altitude sickness. 

We operate the Two Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to Machu Picchu both as a private guided tour and in small groups.

Do take a moment to check our reviews on Tripadvisor.

Departure & Return Location

Cusco Hotel Transfer

Departure Time

0500 AM

Price Includes

  • Breakfast x 1
  • Lunch x 1
  • Professional English Speaking Tour Guide.
  • Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+.
  • Pick-up from your Hotel.
  • Train to Km-104
  • Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco.1 Breakfast, 1 Boxed Lunch
  • Hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo
  • Entrance fee to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
  • Round Trip Bus journeys between Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Pueblo
  • Oxygen bottle and First aid kit.

Price Excludes

  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Montaña
  • Breakfast on Day 1, lunch and dinner on Day 2
  • Any Private Expenses
  • Tips for your Inca Trail Guide

What You Need to Take:

  • Original Passport
  • Walking Stick
  • A Day Pack with your personal items
  • Peruvian Soles in Cash
  • Waterproof jacket / rain poncho. T-shirts
  • Walking boots.
  • Comfortable Trousers
  • Sun hat and Sun cream (factor 35 or higher).
  • Insect repellent
  • Toiletries and hand sanitiser
  • Personal medication
  • Camera and film
SHORT INCA TRAIL PERU HIGHLIGHTS
  • Cusco has a lot of hiking routes which lead us to Inca Citadel Machu Picchu; but only in this route you will have the chance to visit Machu Picchu for 2 consecutive days! Therefore, it is ideal for those whom do not have much time.
  • During the short inca trail tour our clients will enjoy a short ride in a comfortable touristic train with service on board crossing the Sacred Valley which offers impressive flora and fauna and also unrealistic views of the Andes, arriving to tropical jungle of the Natural Reserve of Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
  • 2-Day Inca Trail starts on kilometer 104 of the train route from Cusco to Machu Picchu. This inca trail to Machupicchu has a total of 16 kilometers of cobbled and authentic road, through all of this adventure we will visit some archaeological sites as Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, Intipata and Inti Punku.
  • We will also connect with the classic Inca Trail and finally with Machu Picchu ruins. Upon our arrival our hikers is going to have the opportunity to have a visit to the Citadel on day one in the afternoon. Upon completion of the hike, our service includes a 3 star hotel.
Video
Infographic
Short Inca Trail
Short Inca Trail Map
The Inca Trail Map
Itinerary

Day 1Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Km 104 - Aguas Calientes

Your epic Inca Trail 2 Day Trek experience begins with an early morning transfer from your hotel in Cusco. We will be driving you through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the Ollantaytambo train station. 

You will be boarding the Aguas Calientes bound train to Km 104, the Short Inca Trailhead. After crossing the security control where your passport will be verified against the permit, we will begin with a gradual uphill hike. 

The region is home to some native flora and fauna which our tour guide will be explaining to you. 

We will be visiting many Inca ruins on this 10 kilometers stretch. Some of the prominent sites are, Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna and Intipunku (Sungate). 

Chachabamba:

Chachabamba is a notable Inca site at 2150 meters above sea level (7053 ft.). It houses a stone altar that the Incas used to worship the sun, moon, and sacred peaks (Apus). Our local expert will be giving you a detailed insight into how the locals have preserved the tradition and continue practicing it. 

Wiñay Wayna:

After getting an introduction to the civilization and Andean traditions, we will be hiking to the most beautiful archaeological site of this South America’s esteemed trek, Wiñay Wayna. It nestles at 2650m/8694 ft. 

In Quechua, Wiñay Wayna signifies forever young. The archaeological complex features impressive farming terraces. After touring the complex, we will stop at the local campsite to unbox our lunch. 

Sun Gate (Intipunku)

After relishing the staggering views and immersive insight into the history of the Inca civilization, we will continue to the last prominent site that lies along the way. The sun gate or Inti Punku (2745m/9005 ft). 

From here you will get the first view of Machu Picchu citadel. Only those hiking the esteemed Inca Trail to Machu Picchu get to enter the citadel through Intipunku. 

After contemplating the view of the Inca citadel, we will be hiking down the hill for 45 minutes to the exit. We will embark on a 25 minutes bus ride down to Aguas Calientes town where we will accommodate you in an ensuite hotel room for the night. 

Aguas Calientes gets its name after the renowned hot springs, so make the most of your evening by taking a refreshing dip in the natural thermal waters and giving your feet some treat after a full day of hiking. 

Day 2Aguas Calientes Pueblo - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will be taking you to the bus station in Aguas Calientes. Here you will be boarding the tourist bus for a 25-minute ride up the hill to the entrance of Machu Picchu citadel.

Once inside the citadel, you will be rewarded with a spectacular sight of the citadel while the clouds clear and the golden rays of the sun shimmer on the walls of Machu Picchu. 

We will be giving you a two hours guided tour. After the tour, you will have some free time to explore the citadel on your own. If you have booked to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains, our guide will be directing you to the trailhead.

After exploring Machu Picchu, you will be taking a bus back to Aguas Calientes. Here we will be serving lunch at a local restaurant. At around 04:00 PM, we will be taking a train back to Ollantaytambo. 

Our representative will be meeting you on arrival and will be transferring you back to your hotel in Cusco. We will be returning to Cusco by 09:30 PM.

Photos
FAQs

How hard is the Short Inca Trail?

Short Inca Trail is the easiest option to visit Machu Picchu. The trail involves no arduous climbs at high altitudes but also takes you through some of the iconic Inca ruins like Wiñay Wayna and Inti Punku (Sun gate). Short Inca Trail is infact ideal for families with young children as you won’t even be camping.

How long is the Short Inca Trail?

The Short Inca Trail is a two day experience. On the first day, you will be hiking from the trail head at Km.104 to Machu Picchu. This is a 10 kilometres stretch that can be hiked in 4-5 hours. Along the way, you will be visiting some Inca ruins like Wiñay Wayna and Inti Punku (Sun gate). On the second day, you will be visiting Machu Picchu in the morning before returning to Cusco by train. 

Is the Short Inca Trail worth it?

If you could not get a permit to hike the 4 day Inca Trail then the Short Inca Trail is totally worth it. You will be visiting the main Inca ruins and will be hiking on the actual trail before reaching Machu Picchu. Moreover, you will be entering the citadel through Intipunku (Sungate).

Where to stay before Short Inca Trail?

It is recommended to spend atleast 3 days in Cusco and acclimate to the high altitude before hiking the Short Inca Trail. Most tours begin from Cusco with a drive to Ollantaytambo and then an onward train journey to the trailhead. 

What is the Short Inca Trail?

Short Inca Trail or the 2 Day Inca Trail hike is a popular alternative to the Classic Inca Trail Peru of 4 Days. Short Inca Trail could be booked weeks before and is comparatively easier to hike than the 4-day trek. 

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